Born on November 5, 1992, in Mumbai, Athiya Shetty grew up surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the film industry. Despite her famous lineage, she pursued a degree from the prestigious New York Film Academy before making her foray into the big ball of Bollywood.
Athiya’s first film, ‘Hero’, directed by Nikkhil Advani, was a remake of the 1983 film of the same name. In the movie, Athiya played the role of Radha Mathur, a young woman who falls in love with a man from a rival gang. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success and established Athiya as a promising newcomer in Bollywood.
Her next film, ‘Mubarakan’, directed by Anees Bazmee, was a romantic comedy that also starred Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz, and Anil Kapoor. The film was a box office hit and showcased Athiya’s versatility as an actor, as she played the role of Binkle, a sophisticated NRI who returns to India for her wedding.
Athiya’s most recent film, ‘Motichoor Chaknachoor’, directed by Debamitra Biswal, was a comedy-drama that also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui. In the movie, Athiya played the role of Anita, a young woman who dreams of marrying an NRI and moving abroad. Despite mixed reviews, Athiya’s performance was widely appreciated, and she received praise for her comic timing and emotional depth.
Apart from her acting career, Athiya is also known for her philanthropic work. She has been associated with several charitable organizations and has actively supported causes such as education, health, and women’s empowerment. In 2021, Athiya was appointed as the brand ambassador for Save the Children India, a non-profit organization that works towards improving the lives of underprivileged children.
The pressures of the industry can often lead actors to take on projects that don’t necessarily resonate with them, but Athiya has always been clear about what she wants from her career. She has been selective in her choice of roles and has made a conscious effort to work with directors and writers who share her vision.
In addition to her career, Athiya has also made headlines for her relationship with cricketer KL Rahul. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2023, and their relationship has been the subject of much speculation and interest throughout the start of 2023. Athiya has always believed in the importance of wholesome development of relationships over short ones. She has advocated strongly about her desire to build a strong foundation for her relationship with KL Rahul and to prioritize her personal life alongside her career.
Masala: Your last film “Motichoor Chaknachoor” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. What did you learn from that experience?
Athiya Shetty: In today’s times with the audience being exposed to multiple streams of content, each film I believe receives mixed reviews. It’s upon you on how you wish to take the criticism or applause and move forward with it.
Masala: What challenges did you face after a successful debut with Hero? How did you deal with the high expectations around you?
Athiya Shetty: Obviously, with the first film, comes a lot of nervousness and excitement. It was a whole different feeling, waking up the next day of the release, like a good feeling. It’s honestly tough to keep up with the high expectations if you’re surrounded with it. I went with my gut and what I was more inclined towards while keeping my selections in mind.
Masala: Who amongst your 4 films is your favourite co-star, and what do you take away from them?
Athiya Shetty: It has to be Ileana, while we were shooting for Mubarkaan. We had a great time and we just connected from the first instance itself.
Masala: Are you selective with the work you get — and has been the reason for the gap between your film releases? Your opinion on this is…
Athiya Shetty: I’m very particular about the things I do, whether it’s films or endorsements. Because I give my 110% in whatever I do. I wouldn’t want to be dishonest with myself and play a character or be a part of a script that I don’t genuinely believe in or not enjoy. I also feel like I need to do the work that brings out the best in me. The work that doesn’t make me dishonest. I wouldn’t want to work on something for the sake of it. Maybe that’s why it’s taken me longer than my contemporaries. And I think I am okay with that. I am more relaxed and comfortable in my own skin. I’m able to understand that I am somebody who does take time because I feel that I need to be 100% ready when I am a part of something.
Masala: In an interview, you mentioned that you and KL Rahul are both very busy with your respective careers. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Athiya Shetty: I feel like I have always balanced my personal life and professional life rather well. I am not somebody who speaks about my personal life because I feel it’s personal for a reason. I am not somebody who indulges too much in sharing any of my relationships; whether it’s with my friends or now with my husband. It’s something really sacred to me as well. My balance is also comprised that my personal life having nothing to do with my professional life. And my personal life is an escape of sorts from my professional one. Maybe that’s why it has worked so well for me. I am able to differentiate the two really well and I know when to make one thing a priority. As I have grown, matured and become wiser, I have understood sometimes your professional life needs to be a priority and other times your personal life needs to be a priority. Over the years, I’ve learned when to make that switch.
Masala: What kind of roles are you looking forward to playing in the future?
Athiya Shetty: I am definitely looking forward to roles that challenge me as an actor. I feel like every actor aspires to do that. Motichoor Chaknachoor was a film that I enjoyed thoroughly. It gave me a sense of responsibility as an actor to deliver, to try and better myself, to learn so much and try and challenge myself into doing something that I have never done. That’s why that film is so close to my heart because it gave me a sense of purpose. After Motichoor Chaknachoor, I finally realised that “Oh, this is what I am supposed to feel when I am on a movie set.” The satisfaction of doing really well in a scene or the frustration of trying to better myself as an actor in a scene. I think that’s what I crave.
Masala: Do you have any plans to venture into production or direction in the future?
Athiya Shetty: Currently, I have not thought about directing. I don’t think, at this stage, I am capable of directing a film or taking on that kind of responsibility. I don’t have that skill set, for sure. Producing, I have never really thought about, but never say never. But I definitely find it extremely fascinating to be behind the scene. I think it’s an art on its own. It’s a responsibility that people tend to see and notice.
Masala: Living in the heart of a busy city like Mumbai, what does your daily routine look like?
Athiya Shetty: I love Bombay. I feel like it’s a city that makes you feel alive and warm. It’s just home. My day looks different from one and another. I don’t have a set routine. What I do consistently is going to the gym every day. I make time for that. I don’t necessarily love it but it’s something I feel is important for it. I’ve finally started making my peace with it. But if I am shooting, then that and later being stuck in a lot of traffic is actually a part of my day, always. And I try catching up with my friends and family, kind of keep that balance, I try to do that.
Athiya Shetty on the cover: Directed and produced by Vama Kothari / Assisted by Aminath Ifasa / Photographed by Mox Santos / Styled by Seher Khan / Makeup by Simran Gidwani / Photographed at Anantara The Palm, Dubai
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